Archer Earth Community May 15 Update

[Dianne Hearn]

Dear Friends

Archer Earth Community Agape dates 2025

Our dates for Agape in 2025 are as follows:

June 9 Epiphany of Wind (Brian Swimme) 

July Friday 11  Osprey House, Griffin

August Monday 11 Rewilding the Urban Soul 

September 1-4 Retreat at Bunya Mountains 

October 12 or 13 The wisdom of Ilia Delio 

November 9 or 10 TBD

December 14 Christmas Celebration 

May Agape 

We gathered at Coochiemudlo for our May Agape and thank Heather and David for their kind hospitality.  We breathed the clean air and enjoyed the feelings of freedom and peace as we left the mainland on the ferry to the island.  

Our Agape drew on the wisdom in Meditations on Creation in an Era of Extinction by Kate Rigby as we prayed in gratitude for Earth’s amazing atmosphere.  In acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, the Quandamooka People, we were thankful for their sustainable practices that enriched our Earth.  

We had time to explore the beauty that is Coochie and share our rich insights.  Our prayer as we concluded our ritual was:

May we daily discover the Holy One

Beyond, between and within.

God beyond our Existence,

God between all our lives

God within our soul -

The stirring of the spirit of love,

Of grace and of gentleness.  Amen.

June Agape

The theme for our June Agape is Epiphany of Wind and we will continue to reflect on Brian Swimme’s exploration of Cosmogenesis.  We will gather at Shorncliffe at the picnic shelter in Frank Doyle Park. There is a parking area beside the park and also toilets.  There are picnic tables and bench seats under the shelter but you may wish to bring your own folding chair.

As usual we will gather for morning tea from 10am for a 10.30 start and conclude with a shared lunch.  Please bring your own drinks or drinks are available at The Shelly Inn which is across the road. 

Archer Meditation  

Our meditation gatherings are on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. We gather at 2461 Sandgate Rd Boondall from 9.30am to 10am or via the zoom option at https://www.worldpeaceprayer.org/

Simply enter this site and click on the candle or link to join the meditation. 

Next Meditation Dates are:  May 21, June 4 and June 18

Laudato Si Week - The Letter: A Message for Our Earth

In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si you may like to watch (or re-watch) this film that was first released in conjunction with the encyclical letter.  See https://www1.theletterfilm.org/watch/?_gl=1*1l48ls7*_ga*OTA1MDA1ODcxLjE3NDY2ODIzMjg.*_ga_YY7G2WLQXQ*czE3NDY2ODIzMjgkbzEkZzEkdDE3NDY2ODIzNTkkajI5JGwwJGgw

Dreamtime Stories

You may enjoy these beautifully illustrated dreamtime stories from Central Arnhem Land - stories of love, loyalty, duty to Country and customs.  See https://www.abc.net.au/education/digibooks/dust-echoes/101734324

Old God, New God: Ilia Delio

In these two presentations, Ilia explores the influence of philosophers, scientists and theologians on our understanding of who God is.  See https://christogenesis.org/watch-ilia-delios-old-god-new-god-presentation/

The Dark Emu Story 

The Edmund Rice Formation Team are offering an online screening of the ABC documentary, The Dark Emu Story, based on the book by Bruce Pascoe on 3 June from 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm AEST.  Many of you will have met Alice who is part of the formation team at Agape.

The screening will be accompanied by conversation with Uncle Mark from Gumbaynggirr Country, home to the Arrawarra Fish Traps — one of the significant examples of aquaculture discussed in Dark Emu.  To join this important conversation see details in the attachment below.

Luke and John’s Gospels:  Bishop David Walker

You may be interested in these free online courses with David Walker - in July the Gospel of Luke and August the Gospel of John.  For more information and to register see https://lectiodivina.com.au/?p=27610

David Attenborough film: Ocean

David Attenborough’s film, released on his recent 99th birthday describes the glory of the watery world and also describes how we are killing it.  He reminds us that currently less than 3 percent of the ocean is fully protected and points to the 2022 UN Conference which committed to protect 30 percent by 2030.  The film is in cinemas now.

Key Dates in May

May 16-24 Laudato Si Week (Australian dates)

On 24 May we commemorate the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on Care for Our Common Home.  Part of Francis’s legacy is reflected in the theme this year, Raising Hope as described in this passage from Laudato Si #244:  Let us sing as we go.  May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope.

See https://laudatosiweek.org/

May 20 World Bee Day

The theme this year is Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all.  Bees play an important part in food production as pollinators and also help support plant diversity.  See https://www.worldbeeday.org.au/

May 22 International Day for Biodiversity

The theme this year is Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.  Biodiversity includes not only variety of plants, animals and microorganisms but also genetic variations within each species.  You may be interested in this study by University of Sydney mapping genetic diversity in Koala populations across Australia. See https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2024/12/03/new-map-shows-where-koalas-are-at-most-risk.html

May 26 National Sorry Day

Sorry Day marks the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home Report in 1997and commemorates Stolen Generation survivors.  See https://healingfoundation.org.au/sorryday/

May 27-3 June National Reconciliation Week

The theme this year is 'Bridging Now to Next' . It reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.  It urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward towards a more united and respectful nation as past lessons guide us. The beautiful artwork (see below) was created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttonshaw, and depicts native plants − which are known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity, symbolising our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.

 The theme song is 'Solid Rock' by Goanna - ‘standing on solid rock, standing on sacred ground’.  See https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

As we approach Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week we conclude with this prayer by Aunty Betty Pike.

Creator Spirit,

All creation once declared your glory

Your laws were honoured and trusted.

Forgive us our neglect at this moment in history. 

Listen to our prayer as we turn to you for healing.

Help us to replace national shame, with true national pride by restoring the dignity of our First Peoples whose antiquity is unsurpassed. 

May our faith and trust in you increase.

Only then will our Nation grow strong 

And be a worthy place for all who wish to make their home in our LAND. 

Amen.

 

Blessings from

Archer Earth Community`

E: hear...@gmail.com

M: 0448275712